Chapter 38…
{Jace's POV}
We were ushered to the side of the dias, overlooking the swarm of Nephilim before us.
I only saw Clary's expression waver slightly, but that made me whisper,
"Hey, Clary…"
She cocked her head to the side to give me a glance,
"Yes?"
"It'll be fine, just be yourself - actually, try a little bit less scary"
I winked in reply.
Her lips quirked up at the corners, and such a small movement brightened up her whole face. Instantly making her appearance come across as more self-assured.
"Miss Morgenstern, you may say your piece now. Then you will be judged."
The Consul's voice boomed into the hall, making Izzy jump slightly beside me.
{Clary's POV}
Just the slightest look at Jace gave me all the confidence I needed to face the Council.
I let out a deep breath, then looked up to meet the glares of the Nephilim before me.
"My father did raise me, about one month ago I was his image. But I have been introduced to the ways of the Nephilim - The Clave - by these shadowhunters beside me."
I gestured to Jace, Izzy and Alec.
Jace gave me a perplexed look, probably wondering why I was talking about him.
"They have taught me there is more to being a Shadowhunter than just killing. The concepts of loyalty, trust and protection have been shown to me. In turn, I have learnt to use these 3 concepts."
"On the other hand, being the daughter of Valentine means I am aware of his strategies and tactics he uses. Also, sharing the blood of Lilith allows me to access certain skills - predominantly I can create new runes, but I am also faster, stronger and harder than you. Both these abilities could be of great use to you"
I had to stifle a giggle as I saw Jace make a mock expression of hurt as I bragged of my skills.
"Most of all, my father holds many spies within the Clave."
"Lies. Everyone in the Clave is loyal and would not be swayed to his side."
Consul Penhallow retorted back instantly - her expression of certainty sent a smirk across my face.
"Then you won't mind trialling Michael Wayland."
I gleamed back. A startled shock resounded round the room, everyone gasping at my exclamation.
"Now, will you accept my services in assistance in your war against my father?"
The Inquisitor perked up and asked,
"Clarissa, we are not at war with anyone."
I laughed pointedly,
"If you truly believe that Inquisitor, then you are deluded. My father has resented the Clave for decades. A war does not always consist of fighting. But that is how it will end, in blood and violence - for that is the way of a Morgenstern."
Imogen looked surprised by my counter argument - but thoughtfully so.
"Thank you Miss Morgenstern, the Council will vote on your proposal now."
Stepping off the dias and positioning myself next to Jace, I felt him whisper in my ear. His soft breath smooth on my skin, making my neck tingle.
"Clary, you did good"
He spoke lightheartedly, his tone filled with faith.
Although he had finished speaking, his presence lingered near me. Unnerving and delighting me at the same time, I wanted nothing more than to lean into his warm embrace.
Gazing into the crowd of Nephilim I saw that a glass vial was being whispered into and passed around.
"What are they doing?"
I mumbled back to Jace.
"This is how we vote, everyone will either say 'accept' or 'decline' into the vial."
He spoke in a low voice back.
"Ah…"
I trailed off at the end as I saw the vial was handed back to the Consul Penhallow.
She opened up the vial and a white smoke floated out, it formed itself into one word.
ACCEPT
{Jace's POV}
The second I read the word I darted my eyes to Clary, she was grinning from ear to ear.
I had only ever seen her this happy one other time, when she found Magnus' training room.
I loved seeing her happy, the features on her face suddenly seemed at peace. I felt a longing desire to keep her this way, like that instinct I always got to protect her - both of which I wouldn't do. Not until she asked, because her walls had gone up.
Suddenly, Clary turned to face me - that mesmerizing grin still plastered on her face - and leaped into me. I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed.
"You did it tiger"
I exclaimed.
"I had a bit of help Blondie"
She pulled back and winked at me.
Our eyes locked, I don't know why I did this to myself.
Whenever I looked at her, it was to test if my feelings had gone. They had not. Whenever I saw her, I wanted to be with her; when I was with her, I wanted to touch her; whenever I touched her hand, I ached to touch her.
I wanted to feel her against me the way I had in bed.
I wanted to be reminded of the scent of her hair, the softness of her skin.
I wanted to make her laugh until she was sore. I wanted to train with her until we were both so tired we dropped to the floor.
I wanted all these things - but knew I couldn't have them.
Wait, what the !?
{Clary's POV}
I knew I shouldn't, I knew I would break him.
But seeing him look at me like he was made me feel weak and strong at the same time.
His arms didn't hold me as though I might break, they held me with a power that matched my own.
I leaned down into him and brushed his lips lightly at first.
I could tell he was shocked, to be honest I had shocked myself.
Yet, I had to do it.
Being with Jace was as easy as breathing, and it felt natural.
Suddenly accepting my kiss, he locked his lips onto mine and tightened his grasp on me, fearful that I might somehow slip away like I had before.
Our kiss was filled with passion and need.
When I finally broke apart from him, the look in his eyes pained me.
"But I thought-"
He began.
I pressed a finger to his mouth.
"No. Please don't say it."
I begged with my eyes.
Jace accepted my plea and slowly unraveled me from his embrace.
Pushing off Jace, I stalked over to the Consul and Inquisitor.
Imogen had a satisfied smile on her face, maybe she did like me after all?
On the other hand, Consul Penhallow looked disgusted.
"We will begin preparations tomorrow at dawn. My father will be planning to attack early"
I explained to them.
"Do not think for a second that I will start taking orders from you."
"Of course not Consul. But do not forget, I am the best chance you got."
With that I nodded at Imogen and glided out of the hall.
I needed to be alone for a while.
~ time skip ~
Somehow I had made my way to a large hill, which I had climbed.
From the top I could see all of Alicante and looked out, taking it all in.
My emotions had been so muddled.
My attachment to Jace was still a mystery to me, but I knew then that he was too important, too essential to me - so letting him go wasn't an option, it never really was.
However, the thought still troubling me was the thought of my father.
Knowing that the only way all of this was going to end, was with me and him.
I would have to face him at some point, and that thought terrified me - though I could not show it.
Whether I would be filled with rage when I saw him or feel a swell of sorrow for the father I had lost ; I did not know. But I prayed for the former.
{Imogen's POV}
After addressing the Morgenstern girl I walked over to my grandson.
"Grandmother"
He spoke in surprise as he saw me approach.
"Why do you sound startled?"
I asked curiously,
"I had assumed you would not want to speak to me. Considering I betrayed the family by protecting Clary."
"I will admit, at first I was furious with you for choosing her. Yet now, I see that she was something we both needed to experience. Clarissa represents something the Clave hasn't seen in a long time, diversity."
I explained, but continued to say -
"Besides, I see the way you look at her grandson. You care for her, I can only hope that will bring you joy rather than destruction."
Jace smiled back at me when I spoke, clearly delighted I had had a change of heart.
However, deep down I had a terrible fear that this girl held a great power which could break Jace.
What I feared most, is that she would use this power.
And in doing so would destroy them both.
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Song 16 ~ Amnesia - 5 Seconds of Summer